Examples of 4th century barbarous coins can be much smaller than
even this coin. At 9mm it is not untypical for British imitations
which the patina on your coin suggests as well. There were several
periods of what Boon coined "epidemic" counterfeiting, as opposed to
"endemic" (normal 'background' level) counterfeiting. The
epidemics are periods when counterfeiting becomes rampant and
the module of the counterfeits declines steadily down to tiny
minimi.

The particular epidemic which spawned the copy in question here
began with the reform of AD 335 and which produced copies of GLORIA
EXERCITUS (both types) and the Constantinian commemoratives (both
types) in a steadily declining module down to 7mm / 0.3gm and
occasionally even smaller (see Bastien ANSMN 30, pp. 144-145 and for
detailed metrology pp. 149-151).

This epidemic continued until the reform of 348 in which all
previous bronze coinage was demonetized and the FEL TEMP REPARATIO
half-maiorina introduced.)

Julian II was the last Roman Emperor who was
Pagan, as indicated by his many coins with Bulls and other Pagan
symbols on them. Julian however was also in favor on
polytheism, in which Christianity was not repressed as much as ALL
religions were allowed to continue. Julian also began many reform to
try and streamline the administration and government itself.
Julian was also the last emperor who ruled the entire empire for a
lengthy period of time (Theodosius I did for a short period in 394
AS). Sadly Julian died in battle after major victories in
Persia, and the armies subsequent withdrawal.

**Note: He attempted to assist
Emperor Valens at the battle of Adrianople in 378 AD. Valens
however went into battle without the extra troops and was defeated
by the Gothic forces. The whole veteran Eastern legions were
destroyed and the Emperor slain. Many historians consider this
a huge turning point in Roman History, as the army never recovered
from this and the resulting Barbarian incursions devastated the
lands. In 476 AD the western empire no longer existed.

**Note: Valens was killed in battle
in 378 AD fighting a large Gothic invasion/rebellion at Adrianople.
Nearly 10,000 veteran legionaries from the Persian frontier were
killed in the battle. Considered the worst Roman defeat since
the Battle of Canae, Valens pushed ahead into battle without proper
scouting and without waiting for the Western Legions who were not
far away to help re-enforce the army. Many historians consider
this a huge turning point in Roman History, as the army never
recovered from this and the resulting Barbarian incursions
devastated the lands. In 476 AD the western empire no longer
existed.

RIC 26b (mint mark hard to
read, however this style has a similar die to this example,
therefore I went with the Cyzicus mint)

(CLICK FOR LARGE PICTURES)

Eugenius (Augustus)

Usurper 392-395 AD

*History Note*

Eugenius lost the battle of Frigidus in 394 AD
against Theodosius I East army. The western army had heavy
losses which severely affected its ability to stop Barbarian
incursions. By 410 AD Rome was sacked by Gothic troops formally in
the Roman army as mercenaries.